Lycoperdaceae
Puffball: Edible Plant
Lycoperdon
Cultivating puffballs requires very high humidity and a substrate rich in organic matter, preferably in a shaded location.
Every 3 days
Low light
10° - 25°C
70% - 95%
Categories
What is Puffball?
Puffball (Lycoperdon) is a medium-care plant from the Lycoperdaceae family. Lycoperdon, commonly known as the puffball, is a genus of fungi in the family Agaricaceae. They are characterized by a spherical or pear-shaped fruiting body that contains spores inside. When young, while the interior (gleba) is white and firm, many species are edible. Upon maturity, the interior tu...
Puffball grows up to 15cm, spread of 10cm, watering every 3 days, 10°C – 25°C, 70–95% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Puffball is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Puffball?
TLDR: Puffball needs Low light, watering every 3 days, and temperatures between 10-25°C with 70-95% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Puffball?
Use a mister to maintain high humidity around the fruiting bodies without disturbing their structure.
How Much Light Does Puffball Need?
These fungi prefer shaded areas; avoid direct sunlight, which dries out the fruiting bodies.
What Is the Best Soil for Puffball?
The substrate must be rich in humus and constantly moist, but not waterlogged.
What Pot Should You Use for Puffball?
Grows best directly in the ground or in large boxes with moist mulch.
Care Schedule
Misting
Every 1 days
What Is Puffball and Where Does It Come From?
Lycoperdon, commonly known as the puffball, is a genus of fungi in the family Agaricaceae. They are characterized by a spherical or pear-shaped fruiting body that contains spores inside. When young, while the interior (gleba) is white and firm, many species are edible. Upon maturity, the interior turns into a dark spore dust that is released through an opening at the top.
How to Propagate Puffball?
Spore dispersal
- Maintain constant substrate moisture
- Spores germinate best in the presence of natural forest litter
- 1 Harvesting mature spores
Collect mature, brown puffballs filled with spore dust.
- 2 Substrate preparation
Prepare an area with moist soil mixed with wood chips and leaves.
- 3 Inoculation
Scatter the spores over the prepared area and lightly water with chlorine-free water.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Puffball Grow?
TLDR: Puffball can reach up to 15cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
15cm
Spread
10cm
Growth rate
Fast
Plant Uses
Edible
Can be consumed
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Styptic properties to stop bleeding (spores)
- Antibacterial properties
Culinary Uses
- Pan-frying in slices (only young, white specimens)
- Addition to soups and sauces
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
In folklore, they are often associated with 'magic dust' or the fleeting nature of life.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
